NorthPort shot 65 percent in the middle quarters as the Batang Pier bucked a poor start to shoot down the NLEX Road Warriors, 114-87, in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup on Thursday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate, Manila.
Arvin Tolentino fired 15 of his game-high 29 points in the second period as the Batang Pier outscored the Road Warriors, 35-12, erasing an early 16-point deficit to grab a 56-41 halftime lead.
The massive second quarter offensive galvanized NorthPort’s offense, with import Kadeem Jack, Allyn Bulanadi and Joshua Munzon joining hands with Tolentino to complete the team’s blowout victory.
Jack finished with 25 points and six rebounds, Bulanadi had 14 points while Munzon added 12 points for the Batang Pier, who ended the game with a 50 percent shooting percentage.
NorthPort’s defense also played a vital role in the 27-point rout, as the wards of coach Bonnie Tan scored 21 points off the 21 turnovers of NLEX.
Mike Watkins led NLEX with 29 points, Ritchie Rodger had 11 points while Javee Mocon and Tony Semerad scored 10 points apiece.
Robert Bolick struggled all game long as he finished with just three points on a 1-of-11 shooting from the field. He did contribute four rebounds and nine assists.
